Initial fears of a possible serial killer in the small town of Jal, New Mexico, have been put to rest after human bone fragments discovered at a property were determined to likely have been legally purchased online, authorities confirmed.
The investigation began on November 5 when a local resident reported an unsettling encounter with Cecil Villanueva. Villanueva allegedly discarded what appeared to be human bones while being given a ride. This led investigators to a property where bone fragments were found in a burned structure, according to KRQE.
The Lea County Sheriff’s Office initially considered the remains could be linked to a 2019 missing person case involving a woman whose last known residence was near the property. However, Undersheriff Michael Walker later revealed that the former occupant of the home had a known interest in collecting human skulls, which were reportedly purchased legally online.
“We don’t believe there’s any type of serial killer or wrongdoing at this point,” Walker stated, adding that fire damage has complicated efforts to confirm the bones’ origins.
Despite these findings, Walker noted that the investigation remains thorough: “The reason we’re investigating it to this level is that there’s no definitive proof showing the bones came from an online distributor.”
The remains have been sent to the Office of the Medical Investigator in Albuquerque for further analysis. Officials are working to reconstruct and identify the fragments, which could potentially determine if they are linked to a missing persons case or if they are ancient remains.
Villanueva, who was seen carrying a bag containing bones, has not been charged in connection with the investigation but was arrested for an unrelated trespassing offense. The case remains under review pending the results of the forensic analysis.
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